ISLAMABAD, Aug 17: The federal government has appointed a special adviser on water in the ministry of water and power to do spadework for the announcement and subsequent construction of a big dam.

Informed sources told Dawn on Tuesday that Riaz Ahmad Khan, former special secretary water and power, has been re-hired for two years as special adviser on water on a package of Rs400,000 per month. A notification to this effect has been issued.

The sources said the government planned to announce construction of a big dam within 45 days and wanted the new adviser to do spadework for the purpose.

Mr Khan had retired as additional secretary last year and was re-hired for one year as special secretary water and power. His re-employment contract expired on July 26. The water and power ministry had sent a summary to the prime minister for one year extension.